Diana: The Portrait

Though I purchased my “like-new” copy of this book from my local Community Thrift Store (for $3.77), it is without question the greatest book I’ve had of Princess Diana thus far. More than a bit heavy (literally and figuratively), for me, it is unquestionably the final word on this much-maligned, though deeply admired (and forever young) lady.

I love Princess Diana. I love Diana so much that I went to Althorp to pay my respects to her. This book, Diana: A Portrait brought back those memories. The book is filled with photos of Diana throughout her life, not just when she was a princess. Many of the photos come straight from items that are on display at the exhibit at Althorp, such as her school uniform and report cards. I feel that the book is a companion to that visit I made. If you get the opportunity to go to Althorp, by all means do go. If you can not get to Althorp, this book brings the Althorp exhibit and feeling to you. The photos are beautiful as is the text about Diana's life. The price tag is steep, but this book is a must for a Diana fan. As the exhibit says: The work continues.

"Diana, the Portrait" is a beautiful compilation of pictures, stories, and events in Diana's life. Just like a portrait, it shows the princess at her best. This is not an expose and I'm glad it wasn't. The most poignant sections of the book are the parts dealing with Diana's tragic death. There are copies of Elton John's handwritten lyrics for "Good-bye England's Rose" as well as many of Diana's own letters. I received this as a gift, right after seeing the Diana exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in Fort Lauderdale. Many aspects of the exhibits are included in the "Portrait" and I think will be enjoyed by any fan of Diana's. It is a very flattering portrayal, as it should be.

What was Princess Diana REALLY like? Did she really have such an incredible impact on the charities she worked with? Deep down, was her personality as luminous and beautiful as many believed it was? Since her death almost a decade ago, numerous authors have offered their opinions on Diana's personality, charity work, marriage, and entire life. Some have been worshipful (Andrew Morton's "autobiography"), some have been disturbing (Sally Bledel Smith's examination of Diana's personality), and some have totally illuminated an area of the late princess's life. "Diana: The Portrait" falls into the latter category. The first thing Diana fans will notice is the abundance of stunning, high-quality photos from every phase of Diana's life. And these photos aren't just the same tired images. They are rare snapshots from the Spencer family collection and in many cases, ones that have never been seen by the public before. Even if you have other photography-oriented Diana books (I own two), this one is gorgeously superior. This volume also includes text with extensive detailings of Diana's charity work and her phenomenal rapport with "ordinary" people. Many Diana-themed books talk about her devotion to particular issues (like AIDS and land mines) but never fully discuss what she did or talk about her actions' tangible impacts. I have read a variety of books about the princess since her death and I have NEVER read a book that showed her impact on so many people so well or included so many varied sources praising her work. For better or for worse, "Diana: The Portrait" barely touches on some of the darker and more controversial issues of Diana's life. It mentions her divorce and the overwhelming changes she faced after her marrige, but "mentions" is the key word. Her eating disorders hardly factor into the book, and despite the fact that some have said Diana had psychological problems, this issue is never addressed. This probably occurred because her family was so involved in writing this book. But anyone who reads Diana books will quickly realize that one book can never tell everything about this woman who was such an enigma. To some, this book may seem to have airbrushed Diana's life, but it is also a beautiful and special tribute to a unique woman who is universally known. Forget about this book's lack of captions, and savor its other one-of-a-kind attributes.

This is one FANTASTIC and important book that portrays the undeniable heart, soul and courage of Diana, Princess of Wales, who cared so much about people, and sought to make so many positive changes in our world. Diana is still a living example of taking what you've got in life, and turning it around to make lasting and positive change for others. The book is extraordinary! It is a HUGE, beautiful coffee table size book that captures the true Diana. Rosalind Coward did one outstanding job. This book is an inspiration, and brings the truth about Diana to light. She is still a beacon in the dark, and her causes, thanks to this book, will continue to help others, just as Diana would have wanted them to. A MUST Buy and Read!

Finally a book that doesn't attempt to portray the Princess as some sort of demon. What is emphasized again and again is that this was a very young woman, with no royal experience who accepted a new role with grace and humor. Her ability to connect with people is demonstrated over and over. The book is beautifully done with simply beautiful photos!